Software Applications Engineer Jobs in California
Software Applications Engineer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in enterprise software, defense systems, semiconductor and hardware, biotech platforms, and cloud infrastructure, with openings at every level from new graduate through principal and staff engineer. The largest hiring markets are the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where established employers such as Apple, Qualcomm, and Northrop Grumman have deep and sustained engineering operations. Application development, embedded systems, and full-stack platform work are the most consistently sought-after specialties across California listings. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 60+ Software Applications Engineer jobs
Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Applications EngineeringGeneral Summary:
This individual independently plans and performs moderately defined responsibilities for providing technical expertise on software systems through sales presentations, product demonstrations, installation, and maintenance of company products. The individual assists the sales staff in assessing potential applications of company products to meet customer needs and in preparing detailed product specifications for the development and implementation of customer applications and solutions. They confer with customers and engineering teams to assess system requirements, and develop, present, or respond to proposals for specific customer needs, including responses to requests for proposals. The role includes preparing and delivering technical presentations, arranging and conducting product demonstrations or trial installations, and providing technical and non‑technical support regarding the use, operation, installation, and maintenance of software systems. The individual diagnoses issues with installed software, prepares related technical documentation, and stays informed on industry trends, emerging technologies, and product-line developments to support customer solutions. Ensures that the application or solution is functioning according to specifications. Acts as a strong contributor at design reviews and project meetings.
*Domestic and international travel required up to 10%.*
Will accept a Master's Degree (or foreign academic equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Photonics Technologies or related degree field.
Pay Range: $136,881.00 - $162,500.00/year
Applicants : Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here . Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies : Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers .
Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Applications EngineeringGeneral Summary:
This individual independently plans and performs moderately defined responsibilities for providing technical expertise on software systems through sales presentations, product demonstrations, installation, and maintenance of company products. The individual assists the sales staff in assessing potential applications of company products to meet customer needs and in preparing detailed product specifications for the development and implementation of customer applications and solutions. They confer with customers and engineering teams to assess system requirements, and develop, present, or respond to proposals for specific customer needs, including responses to requests for proposals. The role includes preparing and delivering technical presentations, arranging and conducting product demonstrations or trial installations, and providing technical and non‑technical support regarding the use, operation, installation, and maintenance of software systems. The individual diagnoses issues with installed software, prepares related technical documentation, and stays informed on industry trends, emerging technologies, and product-line developments to support customer solutions. Ensures that the application or solution is functioning according to specifications. Acts as a strong contributor at design reviews and project meetings.
*Domestic and international travel required up to 10%.*
Will accept a Master's Degree (or foreign academic equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Photonics Technologies or related degree field.
Pay Range: $136,881.00 - $162,500.00/year
Applicants : Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here . Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies : Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers .
See All 60 Software Applications Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsSoftware Applications Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Software Applications Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Electronics & Hardware
- Automotive
- Science & Research
- Retail
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in software applications engineer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related technical field
- Proficiency in one or more languages such as Java, Python, C++, or C#
- Experience designing, developing, and testing software applications end to end
- Familiarity with Agile or Scrum development workflows and version control systems
- Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams including QA, product, and infrastructure
- Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud is strongly preferred
Software Applications Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a software applications engineer in California?
Most software applications engineer roles in California require a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a closely related discipline. California does not require a state-issued license to work as a software applications engineer in industry. Employers at defense and aerospace firms may require a security clearance. Building a portfolio of shipped applications, contributing to open-source projects, and earning vendor certifications from AWS, Google, or Microsoft strengthen candidacy significantly in this market.
How much do software applications engineers make in California?
Software applications engineers in California earn a median of about $174,410 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $105,060 for the lowest 10% to over $272,670 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire software applications engineers in California?
Employers hiring software applications engineers in California right now include Speechify, Northrop Grumman, and Apple, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's concentration of defense contractors, semiconductor companies, and enterprise software firms means hiring is distributed across both major coastal metros and inland technology corridors such as San Jose and Irvine.
Which California cities have the most software applications engineer jobs?
San Diego, San Francisco, and El Segundo lead California for software applications engineer openings. The Bay Area dominates due to the density of enterprise software headquarters and semiconductor design centers, while Los Angeles draws demand from aerospace, defense, and media technology companies, and San Diego's openings reflect its strong base of defense contractors and wireless communications firms such as Qualcomm.
Are there remote software applications engineer jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 58% of software applications engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting how well the core work, writing code, conducting code reviews, and collaborating asynchronously, translates to distributed environments. Roles involving hardware integration, embedded systems, or classified government contracts are more likely to require on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a software applications engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly for associate or junior software engineer roles at large California employers that run structured new-grad programs, including Apple, Qualcomm, and Oracle, which hire bachelor's graduates with strong internship or capstone project experience. California community college districts and UC campuses feed well-regarded transfer and co-op pipelines into these programs. A portfolio of two or three deployed applications, or demonstrated contributions to open-source projects on GitHub, consistently advances candidates who lack professional experience. Adjacent roles such as QA engineer and technical support analyst are common lateral entry points that lead to application development positions within one to two years.
Where can I find and apply to software applications engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to software applications engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated in real time. Search the listings for roles that match your experience level, preferred location, and specialization, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 60 Software Applications Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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